Purchasing Basics

Welcome to the Office of State Funded Purchasing and Contracts Outreach Program. This program is designed to provide campus end users with definitions, rules, guidelines, procedures and information. There are three ways to utilize this program: (1) read through the entire document; (2) select a main category, whereupon you will be taken to the beginning of that category; or (3) select a subcategory and be taken only to that section.

The Office of State Funded Purchasing and Contracts would be glad to arrange classes for your department to provide a more in-depth overview of the purchasing function.

This web site is designed to guide you through the myriad of definitions, rules, guidelines, procedures and information.

Getting Started

Introduction

The process starts with a department needing to purchase an item or service. The specifics are all entered onto a purchase requisition.zThe end user should have an idea of what they want, why it is needed, when they want it, where it is to be delivered, how much they are willing to pay and who authorized the expense. Properly filled out, the requisition begins the procurement process and the Office of Purchasing and Contracts then gets to work. To facilitate your procurement, please follow the step by step instructions on how to complete a requisition.

All purchases made using State funds are subject to the New York State Finance Law and rules and regulations promulgated by the Office of the State Comptroller. They are also subject to procedures developed by SUNY and/or the University. The Office of the State Comptroller performs pre- and post audits on various transactions processed by the State Funded Office of Purchasing and Contracts. The State Comptroller has the authority to approve or deny payments and/or contracts.

One very important aspect of Purchasing at the University at Albany is to know all of the above, but resist the temptation to go out and get it yourself. It is in violation of NYS Finance Laws to procure a service or commodity without acquiring necessary approvals and documents in advance. Let the trained professionals do the buying, and you will have fewer opportunities for problems.

Requisitioning

Under State Finance Law and SUNY Policy, the University is required to follow certain steps when making a purchase. These steps will be fleshed out as you progress in this Program. As previously mentioned, the requisition begins the procurement process. The Office of Purchasing and Contracts has created a web based requisition allowing end users to complete the document on their desktop, print and submit via fax or inter-office mail to Purchasing. Once the requisition is received, the Office reviews it to ascertain if a number of factors including the availability of funds and if the person signing the requisition is an authorized signatory of the account.

At certain dollar thresholds, all state agencies are required to place procurement advertisements in the New York State Contract Reporter. Every quarter the University is required to place an advertisement outlining potential procurements of more than $10,000 for the upcoming quarter. All procurements of $50,000 require an individual advertisement with 15 business days advance notice. An individual advertisement will have a brief description of the item(s) sought, the proposal/bid due date and time and the campus contact information. Procurement that have an anticipated value of over $200,000 are to be advertised on a semi-annual basis. In addition, the University is required to post the results of all procurements that have had an individual advertisement in the New York State Contract Reporter.

Time Savers

The procurement process is very cumbersome but there are steps that can be taken to speed up the process. These steps include:

Perhaps the most important factor driving the procurement process is the dollar value of the purchase. As you will see the dollar threshold of the purchase will impact the time frame, whether the quotes have to be sealed, documentation to be provided and if outside agency approval, is needed.

The above serves just as a quick synopsis of getting the purchasing process started. Further details will emerge as you continue on in this Program.

What do you want to buy?

As you can imagine, the Office of Purchasing and Contracts procures a wide variety of goods and services for the campus. The item being procured may entail special procedures that have been established by the campus and/or state. Below are brief descriptions of a number of the commonly ordered items.

Animals

The purchase and use of live, vertebrate animals for research at educational institutions is subject to state and federal regulation. Anyone wishing to use or house live vertebrate animals at the University at Albany for research or testing must have that use reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) prior to order or use.

The IACUC reviews all classroom and research projects, sponsored or unsponsored, involving the use of living non-human vertebrate animals, or animals killed for the purposes of the study, to ensure the humane care and use of animals.

After IACUC approval, animals may be ordered by sending a Purchase Requisition to Laboratory Animal Resources for approval. Investigators may not place orders directly with a vendor, nor will purchases be executed by the Office of State Funded Purchasing and Contracts without prior approval from the Laboratory Animal Resources.

The Purchase Requisition must include: the number of animals to be ordered, the species, specific requirements such as age, sex, timed pregnancies, etc., preferred vendor, requested delivery date, the account number to be charged, and the approved protocol number. Laboratory Animal Resources will review the requisition to ensure that an approved protocol exists, and that the number of animals does not exceed the approved number. Once the request is reviewed and approved, the Requisition will be forwarded to the Office of State Funded Purchasing and Contracts for execution of the purchase.

Note: Live, vertebrate animals may not be purchased using a Purchasing Card. To do so is in violation of University Policy and federal regulations. For more information, contact the Laboratory Animal Resources Facility.

Appliances

Some specific lab situations require the purchase of refrigerators and freezers. Personal use appliances usually found in kitchens cannot be purchased using State Funds unless certain criteria are met. Kitchen appliances require prior approval by the Purchasing Agent based on a justification that meets established NYS guidelines.

Building and Construction

Building and Construction on campus is regulated by SUNY procedures #7554. The Office of Facilities Management is responsible for coordinating construction projects on campus. Any projects that involve building or rehabilitation such as carpet replacement, painting, electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, major equipment installations, etc. need to be coordinated with the Office of Facilities Management to be sure all proper building codes, permits, etc. are in place.

Cell Phones, PDAs and Mobile Communication Devices

Mobile Communication Devices may be purchased from the NYS Office of General Services Contract under the comprehensive telecommunications contract. Vendors offer plans to cover local, long distance and text and other services. If a signed agreement is required the user must send the agreement to the Purchasing Office for review and signature by the University Controller. Before ordering a cell phone the purchaser should review their department's policy on cell phone use. Cell phones will only be purchased by the Purchasing Office for business use.

Chemicals and Gases

The Purchasing Office provides copies of all hazardous material orders and Material Safety Data Sheets to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. Procurement cards are not to be used to purchase hazardous materials. In addition, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards regulation requires that certain chemicals and substances purchased be recorded by the University. The Purchasing Office must record and report as required any chemicals purchased that are on this list.

Conference Registrations

Conference Registrations are handled directly with the Office of State Accounting. If the conference requirements include signing a contract for meeting space the contract and purchase requisition should be forwarded to the Office of Purchasing and Contracts for review and signature by the University Controller.

Document/File Archiving Services

The retention and storage of official records of the University are a critical compliance issue for the University at Albany. State records have specific retention periods, as do sponsor and grant records. SUNY Policy #6609, Records Retention and Disposition, lays out the policies that the University is to follow with regards to record retention. Records storage consists of paper documents that age according to different retention criteria. For more information on records retention requirements, you may visit the New York State Archives site.

In 2003, the University changed from an on-site records storage location, to an off-site program. Charges for these services are billed monthly and charged directly to the account provided at set up and registration for your department. This contract allows departments to box paper records into archive containers, label them with any related information and apply a bar code sticker to the box. The box is then transmitted to the vendor location, where the bar code is scanned and the box is archived.

Departments who wish to retrieve a box for a file located within it, or retrieve a file within a box, can simply go on-line, create a work request from the vendor, and their box or file will be returned to their office within one business day. The same process can return boxes to storage. Document destruction is also available.

The fee schedule can be obtained from the Office of Purchasing and Contracts. Once your information is received, a representative from the storage firm will provide instruction and labeling materials for your use. The charges are calculated monthly, with a fee per box for storage, and any retrieval and delivery fees charged when used.

Once your participation and account information is confirmed, you will receive specific instructions on how to complete the transmittal sheet with your specific department identification.

Editorial and Design and Graphic and Fine Art Services

The University has an Office of Communications and Marketing that provides similar services and assists departments with acquiring outside graphic and design services. The Office of Purchasing and Contracts is also ready to assist in procuring these services. Services of this type require a Request for Proposal that allows for the evaluation of quality standards as well as cost.

Educational Equipment

Educational supplies can be procured through the OGS State contract for school supplies.

Education and Training Services

Education and training services are limited to non-credit course work. If the services are for a credit course the person supplying the training must be appointed to a position at the University through the Human Resources Office. Training services may be procured through an Request for Proposal process or through an appropriate OGS contract such as e-learning and IT training.

Environmental Services

Environmental services such as Recycling, Hazardous Waste Removal and Emergency Environmental Spill Response are procured through the Office of Purchasing and Contracts and require the establishment of formal contracts following a procurement process required through the University Purchasing Guidelines. The New York State Industries for the Disabled may be able to provide Recycling and secure document destruction services. Standby contracts can be established in case of possible unforeseen events that require immediate action. Also for instances where a contract is not in place emergency purchasing procedures must be followed.

Financial and Insurance Services

The State of New York is Self Retained (the State represents that it has the full resources of its taxing power to respond to any claims for liabilities which may arise during the term of the agreement, without monetary limitation, provided however, that the State's obligations with respect to any such claims are subject to the availability of lawful appropriations therefore as required by Section 41 of the State Finance Law). The State as such does not have a general liability policy and does not insure most State owned property. Should a third party request a certificate of insurance the Office of Purchasing and Contracts can provide a statement of Self Retention. When renting a vehicle for official University business the current process is that the renter also purchase the optional insurance offered by the rental car company. Should a department require general liability insurance as part of a contractual obligation the Office of Purchasing and Contracts can procure the insurance through the NYS Office of General Services Bureau of Insurance for a fee established by OGS. Financial Service must be procured through either a Request for Proposal process for Banking or Credit Card services for example or through an OGS Contract such as the Credit Card Electronic Value Transfer Contract. Before soliciting for financial lending services there are requirements to be met through the Division of the Budget including the value of the procurement must be equal to or greater than $250,000. Once the Division of the Budget has provided the appropriate approval documents the Office of Purchasing and Contracts can solicit equipment leasing financing using the OGS Contract.

Freight

OGS has established a state contract for the general delivery of domestic packages and for international packages. These services and similar package delivery services, excluding those sent through the U.S. Postal Service, are delivered by the carrier directly to the ordering department. The campus has established an online service allowing for the generation of shipping labels at your desktop. For moving services related to Lab moves and equipment as well as office moves there is an OGS contract for moving services. For questions related to shipping and receiving packages you may contact Mail Services.

Fuels

Fuel, such as heating oil and gasoline for use on campus and in state vehicles can be purchased from the New York State OGS contract.

Furniture and Furnishings

During these times of tight budgets it is best for a department contemplating a furniture or equipment purchase to check the Office of Equipment Management web site for available surplus furniture and equipment. Before ordering Furniture and furnishings requiring installation it is important to contact the Office of Facilities Management to be sure that the proper safety and code requirements are met. The NYS Office of General Services has a large number of Furniture providers under contract to meet your needs. Furniture that requires more than simply uncrating and setting in place may require the purchaser to supply the vendor with a wage rate schedule from the Department of Labor to ensure that the public work is in compliance with wage and benefit provisions of the NYS Labor Law. Insurance requirements must also be met. For further information in acquiring these forms please contact the Purchasing Office at 437-4579. Keep in mind that installation beyond normal inside delivery and setting in place is an open market purchase and may require formal bidding and contracting procedures before the work can begin.

Industrial Cleaning Services

Industrial cleaning services beyond what is provided by the Office of Facilities Management is provided by the New York State Industries for the Disabled a preferred source. If the NYS Industries for the Disabled is not able to meet your needs the Office of Purchasing and Contracts would assist the department in procuring these services through an Request for Proposal or Invitation for Bid process following University procurement guidelines.

Information Technology

The field of Information Technology has expanded tremendously in the past few years. From computers to telephones, assistive services, captioning, web conferencing and more, there are a wide range of vendors who provide services under NYS OGS contracts. The site will explain the menu of available commodities and services, as well as how best to procure them.

With regard to Audio Conferencing Services, Governor Paterson has issued an agency directive requesting that all state agencies utilize the service of InterCall under OGS Contract. This vendor has been found to provide the most beneficial rates to the state.

When disposing of technological equipment, it is imperative that the all information be removed from the piece of equipment prior to disposal. At the least, this involves the cleaning of the hard drive. This is required whether the equipment is to be scrapped or surplussed. A Property Status Change Request Form must be submitted to the Office of Equipment Management with an executed attestation that the data contained in the equipment has been erased and cannot be retrieved.

Laboratory Equipment

Equipment for use in labs and classrooms can be procured in a number of ways. Many items can be found on New York State OGS contract and through our online science house vendors. If the dollar level and or availability warrants it, a bid with detailed specifications can be done by the Office of Purchasing & Contracts. To participate in this program, please complete the online Registration Form.

Laboratory Supplies

Lab supplies are those items that are intended to be used in the research lab or classroom, have a useful life of less that one year and are less than $5,000 in value. They include items such as glassware, reagents, trays, slides, tools and other items used in the operation of a laboratory.

The University currently takes advantage of the New York State Office of General Services' contracts for lab supplies to provide desktop ordering of commonly used items. These vendors offer a one-stop shopping feature that allows end users to order directly from them through a web-based application. Some of the advantages to desktop ordering include immediate responses to cost, availability, delivery schedule and online catalog product searches.

All orders for lab supplies may be placed through the online vendor system by the departmental end users. An end user can complete an order through the web application and then route the order to either another departmental level for approval or directly to the Office of Purchasing and Contracts for approval and release to the vendor.

Those items requiring special approvals such as radioactive materials, lasers, syringes and live vertebrates (lab animals) may not be ordered using the online system.

To participate in this program, please complete the online Registration Form. Once your access has been established, our office or the vendor will notify you and provide you with user identification information and a password. The vendors offer online training, and we can also arrange to meet with you individually for training.

For an open market purchase, all procurement guidelines must be followed, including competitive bidding at different procurement levels.

Mail Services

Mail Services is a unit of Institutional Services at the University at Albany. Mail Services is located in the basement of the Business Administration Building, room B4. Service hours are 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday during the academic year and 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Monday through Friday during the summer. Mail Services receives mail each weekday morning from the U.S. Postal Service and delivers it to students, faculty and staff on the uptown, downtown and East Campuses, as well as to residential quads.

Maintenance Services

Equipment Maintenance must be procured and may require insurance and wage rate schedules to be provided. If an agreement is required to be executed the document must be sent to the Office of Purchasing and Contract for review and signature by the University Controller. The University has its own certified maintenance facility for University/Foundation owned computers and printers. Building Maintenance is coordinated through the Office of Facilities Management each building has a building captain to coordinate resolving building issues.

Musical Instruments

Musical instruments may be purchased in accordance with standard procurement procedures. If there is an agreement involved such as renting a piano for a performance the rental agreement terms and conditions including insurance requirements need to be reviewed in the purchasing office.

Office Equipment

Office desktop accessories can be purchased from either of the online ordering vendors, or, if under $4,999, with a state procurement card, the use of which is governed by the Procurement Card Guidelines. Office Equipment includes copiers. printers, scanners and computers.

All equipment purchases of $500 or more must be tagged by the Office of Equipment Management. A new asset receipt form is to be sent to OEM upon receipt of the items.

Office Supplies

The University currently takes advantage of the New York State Office of General Services' contract for office supplies to provide desktop ordering of commonly used office supplies. Some of the advantages to desktop ordering include immediate responses to cost, availability, delivery schedule and on-line catalog product searches.

All orders for office supplies must be placed through one of the online vendor systems by departmental end users. The end user completes an order through the web application and depending on approval levels and the dollar value of the order; the order is then sent either directly to the vendor or is routed for departmental approval and/or approval from the Office of Purchasing and Contracts.

Business Cards, Letterhead and Envelopes: The Office of Purchasing and Contracts has negotiated a contract for the printing of commonly used University items. By establishing contracts with vendors, letterhead, envelopes and business cards can be purchased at significant savings. To place an order for these items, you must complete a University Online Ordering Registration Form. To register for access to the online ordering system, please complete the online Registration Form.

The layout and design of University Stationery Items cannot be altered or modified in any form. Stationery fonts, logos, and designs are all to be produced with adherence to the University Graphic Identity Manual. The University at Albany's Graphic Identity Manual provides a foundation for clear and consistent communications of the institution identity. The official policies and standards for the design of University at Albany stationery, publications and other applications are also available within this graphic identity manual. In addition, there are specific procedure to be followed by all members of the University community.

If the particular item you need is not on either of these sites, you may send in a requisition for an open market purchase over $4,999, or for those orders valued at less than $4,999, you should use your state procurement card.

Please bear in mind that while purchases can be made on the open market, the Governor's Executive Order #4 regarding recycled materials must be followed.

Organizations and Memberships

Individual Memberships having a fee of $250.00 or more require the prior approval of the Vice President for that area. Justifications for memberships should include why the membership is a benefit to the State (University). While most true memberships are exempt from the advertising requirement in the NYS Contract Reporter if there is an additional service or benefit that is being purchased through the member organization then the membership may need an exemption from advertising by the State Comptroller. If a membership is over $50,000. annually and additional services are supplied such as discounted software, hosted web services, etc. the membership will need to be exempted from advertising in the New York State Contract Reporter by the State Comptroller. In order to justify the reasonableness of price membership organizations are charging the State Comptroller will require the formula used by the organization to set the rates to be charged members. This is to make sure that SUNY is not being unfairly charged compared to other similar members. While State funds can pay a membership fee, they cannot be used to provide a typical donation to an organization.

Printing

The Rapid Copy Center that provides printing services ranging from black and white copies to full color and bindery services. Please visit their web site for details.

To purchase printed materials that cannot be produced at the Rapid Copy Center, an outside vendor will be required. Printing contracts are covered by the New York State Printing and Public Documents Law. The procedures for the procurement of printing services are the same purchasing guidelines that apply to all other purchase.

For business cards, letterhead or envelopes printed with the University logo and information, please visit online ordering for stationery. Business cards may also be ordered from The Rapid Copy Center.

The Office of State Funded Purchasing & Contracts can assist you with vendor selections or recommendations. It is important to keep in mind some important tips for procuring printing services, whether the printing procurement is processed via the Office or departmental P-Card:

Specifications - Be as detailed as you possible can when writing the specifications for your printed items. Be sure to include quantity required, paper, ink colors, binding/finishing and delivery instructions. If you are willing to accept substitutes for paper or ink colors you should note this on the specifications.

Time Frame - Printing is not an overnight process. Be sure to plan for adequate lead-time for the processing of your requisition, quotations, and printing of your project. Some service and products may require additional time or allow for manufacturing and completion of your products. Some NYS State Contracts for printing services require 20 working days for delivery after the proof has been approved.

Proofs - If you are requesting a proof prior to printing, this will add to your production time.

Quantities - Printing is a multiple process, the cost per unit goes down as the quantity goes up. Be sure to take into consideration your total needs, and storage capabilities.

Delivery instructions - Be sure to include any specific deliver instructions that might apply. Addition charges could apply for orders delivered off campus.

Planning ahead will save significant time and cost to your departments.

Public Utilities and Public Sector Related Services

The University has the option of purchasing its electrical and fuel needs directly from vendors going through a bid process following the formal bid procedures, going through NYS OGS contracts or established SUNY wide multi-campus contracts for these services. The Facilities Office of Energy Management manages the campus' use of Utilities. The Office of Purchasing and Contracts assists in procuring these services in addition to assisting in processing applications and agreements with NYSERDA to acquire grant funding for energy saving projects. The Office of Purchasing and Contracts also contracts with other Public Authorities such as public transportation services and Public Utilities such as internet, telephone, broadcasting and cable television services. A department wishing to acquire public sector services should contact the Office of Purchasing and Contracts. Depending on whether the provider is a State Agency, Public Authority or Public Utility the procurement instruments, contract formats and approvals required will differ.

Published Products

The Office of General Services has many Library publishers and subscription services on contract. Individual books may be purchased through the OGS Contract, the campus bookstore, from the publisher or through a distributor. It is important to note that on line vendors may charge Sales Tax and it is important to find a vendor that will not charge Sales Tax based on the presentation of a Tax Exempt Form. If a vendor charges Sales Tax the purchaser must attempt to get a credit from the vendor since the University is exempt from paying NYS Sales Tax.

Shredding

Secure Document Destruction services are provided by a Preferred Source, the NYS Industries for the Disabled. Departments should send a purchase requisition to purchasing for its fiscal year needs describing the size, location and schedule of services. The preferred source will provide a proposal based on these needs. Rates are fixed based on the size of the container requested.

Software

The method to procuring software is dependent upon the cost and availability of the software. The University can take advantage of the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) contracts for software. OGS contracts for system hardware may require software, which may be purchase with the hardware or purchased separately from a software contract, to operate the hardware. SUNY offers software contracts and the University's office of Information Technology Services has multi-site software licenses, which are available for a fee.

The purchase of non-contract software often requires agreeing to the vendor's terms and conditions as part of the sale. Prior to any commitment being made, the terms and conditions must be reviewed by the Office of Purchasing and Contracts. These purchases often require negotiation of terms between the University and the vendor. As with all other contracts and agreements, the agreement between the University and the software vendor requires the signature of the University Controller. Large software procurements may require that a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) be done based on the value of the procurement. A method to determine the availability of products and services to meet the need of the University is via the issuance of a Request for Information, which serves as the first step in soliciting information from vendors that will make a stronger.

Storage and Warehousing

Temporary storage services would need to be procured. Many of the vendors under OGS contract for moving services also provide storage off campus at a non-contract rate. If temporary storage is being procured for on campus use such as a storage trailer the agreement would need to be reviewed and signed by the University Controller in advance of making a firm commitment with the trailer supplier.

Textiles

It is the policy of the State University of New York (SUNY Board of Trustee Resolution June 16, 2009) to require contractors, subcontractors and licensees to certify the adherence by manufacturers to labor standards in connection with working conditions, compensation, employee rights to form unions and the use of child labor.

The University has adopted a policy aimed at ensuring that goods bearing the University insignia, and certain other goods purchased, rented or otherwise acquired by the University, are not produced under sweatshop conditions. This policy affects the University's expenditures for textiles, apparel and sports equipment in particular and incorporates in the decision-making process the University's Statement of Principles for Worker Rights and the requirement that any emblematic apparel, textile and equipment acquisitions must be from companies licensed by the Licensing Resource Group.

Apparel/Banners/Lab Coats/Sports Equipment: The University has certain policies, rules, and regulations that must be followed in the procurement of apparel items. These include any item that is woven or felted, including clothing, banners, bags and sports apparel. All of the vendors that wish to provide these goods to the University must certify that they follow the Fair Labor practices. Without a Vendor Certification of Compliance with Fair Labor Conditions, the purchase cannot be made.

The University also protects the use of its graphic identity, logo and word mark through the use of the Collegiate Licensing Company. This certification that is obtained by the vendor, assures the University that our guidelines are followed. The links to the University Logos, CLC and the vendors can be found at the following sites:

Linens: If you are planning an event and need to rent table linens, you should first check with your provider. If the event is on-campus, you are likely using Chartwells as your caterer, and they provide linen rentals with their food service.

If you find you need to rent linens, you should keep in mind that the University has adopted a policy aimed at ensuring that goods bearing the University insignia, and certain other goods purchased, rented or otherwise acquired by the University, are not produced under sweatshop conditions. This policy affects the University's expenditures for textiles, apparel and sports equipment in particular and incorporates in the decision-making process the University's Task Force on Sweatshop Labor - Statement of Principles for Worker's Rights and the requirement that any emblematic apparel, textile and equipment acquisitions must be from companies licensed by the Licensing Resource Group.

Transportation Services

General travel policies of the University can be found on the Accounting Office web page. The University does not have an extensive motor pool so that most auto transportation needs are met through a contract with OGS for rental vehicles that is coordinated through the Accounting Office. Bus transportation services must be procured and if there is a rental agreement that needs to be executed the agreement needs to be forwarded to the purchasing office for review and signature by the University Controller. If the services meet the guidelines for formal bidding the Office of Purchasing and Contracts will require a scope of work including the size, type of buses and the tentative schedule. Airline tickets are procured through the OGS contract for Airline services. If there is a need for travel agent services the OGS contract for these services should be used. Parking and Mass Transit Services provides Charter Services to University Departments and authorized student organizations.

Travel and Food and Lodging

General Travel, Food and Lodging requirements are process directly through the Accounting Office.

Procurement Processes

Emergency Purchase

An urgent and unexpected requirement where health and public safety or the conservation of public resources is at risk. A failure to properly and timely plan in advance for a procurement, which then results in a situation in which normal procurement practices cannot be followed, will not constitute an "emergency".

Invitation for Bid

An Invitation for Bid is used for procurements where the needed commodities, services or technology can be translated from exact specifications and the award can be made on the basis of lowest price or best value. When the best value determination is made on price alone. The appropriate solicitation to be used when the method of award is to be based on lowest price only. An IFB describes the administrative process; defines specifications; establishes required delivery terms, bidder qualifications, method of award, and terms and conditions; and provides instructions for responding.

Office of General Services (State) Contract

The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) leverages New York State's buying power by combining state and local government agency requirements to establish contracts for considerable quantities. OGS contracts also reduce administrative costs because OGS handles bid solicitation and evaluation, as well as contract development and management. Contracts for Commodities, Services and Technology can be searched using the OGS search engine. Purchases through OGS do not require advertising in the New York State Contract Reporter and are only limited in volume purchases as is noted in each contract. Most purchases do not require prior Office of the State Comptroller approval excepting for some contracts for services requiring a mini-bid process.

Online Ordering

The Office of Purchasing and Contracts offers a number of online ordering systems that enable users to place orders from state contracted vendors from their desktop. The benefits of these systems include immediate response to cost, availability and online products searches functionality. In order to utilize these systems, you may request authorization via a Registration Form.

The procurement types that are currently available via an online ordering option include:

Industrial and Commercial Supplies and Equipment: The University takes advantage of an online ordering system from a state contract vendor that sells products under Group 39000 titled, Industrial and Commercial Supplies. You must complete the online Registration Form to gain access to this system. Users are also reminded to contact our sales representative at (518) 326-0918 on any orders over $2,000 to request that better pricing be loaded onto the system if it is available. The entire product offering is available in PDF format on their website and usually has very quick turnaround. Departments are expected to ensure that all items have been received in a satisfactory manner. If items are not received in a satisfactory manner, please notify the Office of Purchasing and Contracts to discuss.

Laboratory Supplies: The University currently takes advantage of the New York State Office of General Services' contracts for lab supplies to provide desktop ordering of commonly used items. These vendors offer a one-stop shopping feature that allows end users to order directly from them through a web-based application. Some of the advantages to desktop ordering include immediate responses to cost, availability, delivery schedule and on-line catalog product searches. All orders for lab supplies may be placed through the on-line vendor system by the departmental end users. An end user can complete an order through the web application and then route the order to either another departmental level for approval or directly to the Office of Purchasing and Contracts for approval and release to the vendor. Those items requiring special approvals such as radioactive materials, lasers, syringes and live vertebrates (lab animals) may not be ordered using the online system. To participate in this program, please complete the online Registration Form. Once access has been established, user identification information and a password will be sent by either the vendor or the Office of Purchasing and Contracts. The vendor offers online training, and we can arrange to meet with you individually for training.

Office Supplies: The University currently takes advantage of the New York State Office of General Services' contract for office supplies to provide desktop ordering of commonly used office supplies. Some of the advantages to desktop ordering include immediate responses to cost, availability, delivery schedule and online catalog product searches.

All orders for office supplies must be placed through one of the online vendor systems by departmental end users. The end user completes an order through the web application and depending on approval levels and the dollar value of the order; the order is then sent either directly to the vendor or is routed for departmental approval and/or approval from the Office of Purchasing and Contracts.

To participate in this program, you will need to complete the online Registration Form. Upon registration, you will receive a system-generated e-mail with a username and a password. The vendors offer online training or someone from the office can arrange to meet with you individually for training.

If orders require departmental approval, the departmental approver will need to register separately.

Stationery Supplies: The Office of Purchasing and Contracts has negotiated a contract for theprinting of commonly used University items. By establishing contracts with vendors, letterhead, envelopes and business cards, these items can be purchased at significant savings. To place an order for these items, you must complete a University Online Ordering Registration form. To register for access to the online ordering system, please complete the online Registration Form.

Preferred Sources

Vendors and service providers with designated "preferred source" status under the law in an effort to advance special social and economic goals. The acquisition of commodities and/or services from preferred sources is exempted from statutory competitive procurement requirements. In order to advance special social and economic goals, State Finance Law Section 162 requires that a governmental entity purchase select commodities and services from designated organizations when the commodities or services meet the "form, function and utility" requirements of the governmental entity. Purchase of commodities and services from preferred sources are given the highest priority and are exempt from the competitive bidding requirements.

Procurement Card

The University participates in the NYS Procurement Card Program to help streamline the campus procurement process for goods and services. The program managed by the Office of State Accounting enables campus personnel to charge general supplies and equipment using a credit card charged to their University State Purpose, Dormitory Fund, or Income Fund Reimbursable Account. Cardholders are able to receive items much more timely than under the traditional procurement process. The State Purchasing Office no longer accepts purchase requisitions for items below $4,999 that can be purchased legitimately via a Procurement Card.

Request for Information

A Request for Information (RFI) provides a preliminary description of the program objectives and specifications and solicits input from officers as to the availability of products and services to meet the end users needs. An RFI does not lead directly to an offer being made to a vendor. An RFI is a research and information-gathering document used when you seek to learn about the options available for addressing a particular need or want to obtain information to help create viable requirements for a potential solicitation.

Request for Proposals

A Request for Proposal (RFP) is a type of procurement document, which is used for procurements where factors in addition to cost are considered and weighted in awarding the contract and where the method of award is the "best value", as defined by the State Finance Law. An RFP is generally used for the procurement of services or technology in situations where price is not the sole determining factor and the award will be based on a combination of cost and technical factors (best value).

State Finance Law §163-1j defines a best value award as one "which optimizes quality, cost, and efficiency and typically applies to complex services and technology contracts".

Request for Qualifications

A Request for Qualifications is a procurement document used to negotiate contracts for architectural and/or engineering services and/or surveying services on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualification for the type of professional services required and at fair and reasonable fees. The following documents are part of a Request for Qualification:

Request for Quotes

A Request for a Quotation is a type of procurement document, which can be used when a formal bid opening is, not required (e.g. Discretionary, sole source, single source or emergency purchases.)

Single Source

Single source procurement is a purchase from a supplier who is chosen without soliciting the minimum number of bids or proposals because of limiting circumstances (e.g., warranty restrictions). A written request for single source waiver must accompany the requisition.

An example of substantiating single source procurement (limited number of suppliers) might be written documentation detailing prior substantial experience of the contractor in provision of the products or services customized to the SUNY environment or a certain service that only one contractor provides in addition to the service or technology being procured.

Sole Source

Sole source procurement is a purchase from the only available supplier of the product or service. Therefore, no bids or proposals can be obtained. When utilizing state funds, the procurement requires pre-approval of the University Controller and in some cases, the Office of the State Comptroller. Prior to entering into either a sole or single source transaction, the Office of Purchasing and Contracts must be contacted. The request will be reviewed for reasonableness of price and the sole source nature of the item/service must be demonstrated. A written sole source justification must accompany the requisition. The rationale of the selection process must also be documented and becomes part of the procurement record.

An example of substantiating sole source procurement (only one supplier) would be written documentation detailing the unique nature of the requirement, how it was determined only one vendor could meet the need, and how it was determined the cost is reasonable. One method available to document the sole source status is to advertise in the Contract Reporter and only receive one response.

Contracts and Agreements

The University Office of Purchasing and Contracts reviews the terms of all contracts and agreements before they are signed by the University Controller whether or not there is a financial component involved. Before a contract can be executed it may require depending on the circumstances that a procurement process be followed or that the State Comptroller issue an exemption from advertising in the New York State Contract Reporter.

Clinical Affiliation Agreements: When a curriculum requires field internships as a part of the credits earned within an academic program, the University enters into a Clinical Affiliation with an appropriate agency. These agreements are between SUNY and the agency, and outline expectations of each party.

Once the Clinical Affiliation Agreement is fully executed, the Office of Purchasing & Contracts obtains an insurance certificate for liability coverage from SUNY and as long as the internship is an approved discipline, the student can begin the internship.

Consultant Contract: Generally speaking, a Consultant may be engaged to perform a service(s) to a department or unit. A consultant is an individual who, under written agreement approved and executed by the authorized executive of the University in advance of the commencement of the obligation, performs a service(s) to a particular department or unit. Services(s) provided are typically task oriented, specific in nature and of a limited, short duration. Remuneration for the accomplishment of the service(s) is typically established as a set fee, not an hourly rate and may not exceed levels established by SUNY and/or New York State. All agreements must be supported by proper documentation regarding selection criteria, description of services, payment schedule and reasonableness of price before the University official will execute the agreement.

Data Use: Data use agreements describe how data will be used and establishes who is permitted to receive or use the data.

Expenditure Contract: An Expenditure contract is an agreement between the University and a vendor for compensation in exchange for services or commodities. Any dollar value threshold may require an expenditure contract. In addition to signatory and procurement requirements, the need is determined by when (a) more than one payment is made to a contractor; (b) where the tasks performed by the contractor do not lend themselves to description on a regular purchase order; and (c) where the contractor imposes his/her contract on the University. Contracts may be required as a result of an RFP or formal competitive bid. All contracts should outline the following critical information: Who are the parties to the contract?; What is the purpose of the contract? When are the conditions expected to be met? Where will the work take place? Why is the University engaged with this vendor? How much does the University expect to pay as a result of the contract and how will it be paid to the Vendor?

All contracts, license forms, and agreements must be submitted to the Office of Purchasing and Contracts. After review by the Contract Officer, they are forwarded to the appropriate signatory and returned to the department or contractor, as required. In accordance with SUNY Procurement Policy, Item #7553, contracts and agreements entered into by the University may be signed ONLY by the University President, the Vice President for Finance and Business, or the Associate Vice President for Finance and Business and Controller. Any other University employee who signs a contractor agreement may be held personally responsible for its performance (payment, liability, etc.).

Contracts are initiated after the formal procurement process has been completed. Expenditure contracts with a value of under $75,000 may be approved and signed by one of the three authorized campus signatories noted above. Contracts that exceed these respective amounts must be approved by the campus signatory and by the Offices of the State Attorney General and the State Comptroller. Departments should anticipate the time required for obtaining these approvals (approximately 8 to 12 weeks) and keep in mind that the University can assume no responsibility for the terms of a contract without the comptroller's approval. Under no circumstances should work be authorized under a contract until the contract has been approved and signed by all appropriate parties.

Facility Use Agreements: The State University has a policy for the use of University-controlled facilities by non-commercial organizations whose use is consistent with University purposes and is not in conflict with normal operations of the campus. Please contact the supervisor of the particular area in order to obtain specific instructions.

The procedure requires that the University issue a Revocable Permit authorizing the organization to use University facilities in accordance with campus policies and procedures.

Honoraria: Lecturers, guest speakers and performing artists providing up to $2,500 in services of a short duration (less than six consecutive days) may be paid through the honorarium process without a contract. The University Honorarium Request Form must be submitted to the Accounting Office to initiate an honoraria payment.

Leases: The University leases real property in multiple locations for various uses. For state funded transactions within Albany County, legislation requires that the Office of General Services act as the broker-of-record. For all other leases, the campus provides professional support.

The process is similar to any other procurement and all transaction threshold guidelines apply. The end user defines the need for space off-campus, requests support via the requisitioning process, and due diligence begins. Once the site is selected, negotiations between the University and the Landlord begin, a contract is drafted, authorized signatures are obtained, and formal contract approval is obtained by all regulating agencies.

Maintenance Agreements: Maintenance Agreements requiring a signature and/or acceptance of terms must be reviewed by the Office of Purchasing and Contracts and signed by the University Controller before execution. Maintenance Agreements should only be purchased for the current fiscal year as current year funds should not be expended for future year expenses. Keep in mind that computers and printers can be repaired on campus at the PC Service Center, Lecture Center SB 27.

If a Maintenance Agreement is for a piece of equipment containing a hard drive, please ensure that the agreement contains language regarding the deletion of the data contained in the hard drive.

Memorandum of Understanding: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is only used when two State Agencies are involved such as the University at Albany, SUNY and the NYS Department of Health. An MOU requires that a budget be established in accordance with the sample found with the sample MOU on the Office of Purchasing and Contracts Web site. The Purchasing Office will review the terms of the MOU and will forward the budget to the University Budget Office to review. An MOU does not require the review and approval of the NYS Attorney General or State Comptroller.

Revenue Contract: A revenue contract is an agreement between the University and private individuals and/or businesses where the University agrees to perform a service in return for a fee or an in kind payment. The components of the agreement should include who both parties are, a clearly defined scope of work with deliverables, when the service will be performed and completed, how much money is expected at the end of the term and when payments are to be made.

There is no dollar value limit to the amount of income that the University can receive, however, compliance with procurement rules will apply, including a requirement to provide justification for the value of the service. Agreements must be signed and notarized by the party from whom payment will be received, the Department Head or Dean, and the University Controller. In addition, agreements that include revenue above $10,000 must be approved by the NYS Attorney Generals' Office and the Office of the State Comptroller.

Software Licenses: Software license terms including those found on web site requiring acceptance (clickable agreements) are reviewed by the Office of Purchasing and Contracts before signature and approval by the University Controller. A large number of Software Licenses are available for purchase through the OGS catalog contract for software licenses. There are also OGS Contracts direct with Software Manufacturers for the products listed. Certain software packages are purchased in bulk by University's Information Technology Services and distributed for a fee. If an extensive software purchase is contemplated that is an open market purchase it is recommended that a Request for Information (RFI) be done first to find out what products and features are available in the market place. The RFI process is used to improve the quality and success of a Request for Proposal which must be drafted with a scoring matrix to procure software licenses and services for custom software products and installations/integrations and training.

Terms and Conditions: Any agreement including those that are found on web sites that require an affirmation of acceptance are reviewed by the Office of Purchasing and Contracts to be sure that the terms are in compliance with the NYS Finance Law and SUNY requirements. A contractual obligation should not be made by an individual but must be executed on behalf of the campus by the Office of Purchasing & Contracts after review and signature by the University Controller. Terms and conditions are most commonly found with maintenance agreements and software licenses in addition to standard expenditure contracts for goods and services.

Compliance Topics

The state purchasing process falls under the jurisdiction of a number of state laws, Executive Orders and SUNY Policies. These compliance issues include topics such as, advertising of purchasing opportunities to minority and women-owned business enterprises procurement goals to the purchase of environmentally friendly products.

Disability Insurance

Disability insurance replaces a workers income on a tax-free basis should a sickness or illness prevent the worker from earning an income. The Workers' Compensation Board oversees all aspects of disability insurance.

Prior to any permit being issued or any contract being entered into for work in which employees of a business will be engaged in hazardous employment the University must obtain acceptable proof that a business is either exempt from or has secured disability insurance. An ACORD form is not acceptable proof of workers' compensation coverage.

Discriminatory Jurisdiction

Section 165(6)(b) of the State Finance Law requires the Commissioner of the Department of Economic Development to develop a list of jurisdictions that impose sanctions or otherwise restrict the ability of New York State companies when they compete for contracts on an equal basis within those jurisdictions.

The current list of discriminatory jurisdictions identifies the following jurisdictions as continuing their discriminatory policies against New York State bidders: Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, South Carolina, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Section 165(6)(d) of the State Finance Law requires all State agencies, and Section 2879(5)(d) of the Public Authorities Law requires all public authorities and public benefit corporations, to deny businesses from these jurisdictions with discriminatory policies against New York State contracts and placement on any bidders list if two conditions are met:

the potential vendor's "principal place of business" is in a jurisdiction that discriminates against New York businesses, and

the goods and services being offered are substantially manufactured, produced or performed anywhere outside New York State.

In addition, section 165(6)(c) of the State Finance Law requires state agencies and section 2879(5)(c) of the Public Authorities Law requires public authorities and public corporations to deny business from discriminatory jurisdictions placement on bidders lists.

Ethics Laws

No officer or employee of a state agency, member of the legislature or legislative employee should have any interest, financial or otherwise, direct or indirect, or engage in any business or transaction or professional activity or incur any obligation of any nature, which is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of his duties in the public interest. The following reference the specific laws that guide our work.

Public Officers Law Section 73 Business or professional activities by state officers and employees and party officers; restrictions on the activities of current and former state officers and employees.

Public Officers Law Section 73-a Financial Disclosure

Public Officers Law Section 74 Code of Ethics

Executive Law Section 94 Commission on Public Integrity; Functions, Powers and Duties

Civil Service Law Section 107 Prohibition against certain political activities; improper influence

E-Verify

The process where the University must verify that the employees and those employees of the contractor(s) the University hires to work on a federal contract are eligible to work in the United States. The contract must have the following parameters to fall within the E-Verify rule:

It does note involve commercially available off-the-shelf items and related services.

Executive Orders

From time to time, each sitting Governor has within his power to issue an Executive Orders. Executive orders as issued by the governors of the states are not laws, but do have the same binding nature. Executive orders are usually based on existing constitutional or statutory powers of the Governor and do require any action by the state legislature to take effect.

HIPAA Requirement Clauses of the State University of New York

Exhibit Z - Individually identifiable protected health information relating to individuals of Covered Entity that is subject to protection under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Insurance

Procurement regulations of New York State require evidence of various forms of insurance by vendors at the time a contract is entered into. The State of New York and the State University of New York must be listed as additional insureds on all procurements. The nature of the procurement will dictate the type and minimum level of insurance that is required.

Internal Controls

Internal Controls are an integral part of any organization's financial and business policies and procedures. Internal controls consists of all the measures taken by the organization for the purpose of: (1) protecting its resources against waste, fraud, and inefficiency; (2) ensuring accuracy and reliability in accounting and operating data; (3) securing compliance with the policies of the organization; and (4) evaluating the level of performance in all organizational units of the organization.

Liability Insurance

Insurance that pays damages where a person or organization is found responsible for injury or harm caused, e.g. in the case of negligence. Limits are established based on the risk to the University.

Lobbying

Communication (a "Contact") which a reasonable person would infer as an attempt to unduly influence the award, denial or amendment of a contract. The Lobby Law, sections 139-j and 139-k of the State Finance Law, restricts the communications between a potential vendor or a person acting on behalf of the vendor, including its lobbyist, to communications with the officers and employees of the procuring agency. Chapter 1 of the Laws of 2005 among other things makes the lobbying law applicable to attempts to influence procurement contracts once the procurement process has commenced.

Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)

A business certified under Article 15-A of the Executive Law that is independently owned, operated and authorized to do business in New York State; and is owned and controlled by at least fifty-one percent minority group members who are citizens of the U.S. or permanent resident aliens.

New York State Contract Reporter

Article 4-C of the NYS Economic Development Law established the Procurement Opportunities Newsletter, commonly referred to as the NYS Contract Reporter. A daily free electronic publication that all NYS Agencies are required to advertise in, to notify businesses of pending procurement opportunities with the State of New York. The dollar value of the procurement determines whether a quarterly, individual or semi-annual advertisement is required. The results of all procurement opportunities advertised in the NYS Contract Reporter must also be published in the NYS Contract Reporter.

Project Sunlight

As part of an overall reform of the NYS ethics law, the NYS Legislature passed and Governor Cuomo signed the Public Integrity Reform Act of 2011 (Ch. 399, Part A, Sec 4, L 2011). Among the items the legislation called for was the creation and maintenance of a database by the Office of General Services. This database ("Project Sunlight") is designed to collect data from state agencies on the interactions between state decision makers and those seeking to influence the decisions made by the state decision makers.

Project Sunlight requires the reporting within five days of "substantive interactions" between state decision makers and non-governmental entities or individuals. A substantive interaction is one meant to impact decision making and is before a decision maker or one who advises the decision maker. The interaction can be in-person, by telephone or video conference. Letters, e-mails and faxes are not considered to be interactions for Project Sunlight.

A substantive interaction regarding the procurement of a state contract is a reportable transaction under Project Sunlight. The substantive interaction is reportable, even if there is no planned procurement. However, once there is a planned procurement, the procurement must be for more than $25,000 and the appearance must take place outside of the restricted period for it to be reportable. The restricted period of a procurement is the period of time commencing with the earliest notice of the procurement and terminating with the final approval of the procurement by the New York State Office of the State Comptroller.

Security, Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Clauses (Exhibit S)

Security, Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Clauses (Exhibit S) - The Contractor shall maintain the security, nondisclosure and confidentiality of all information in accordance with the following clauses in performance of its activities under the Contract. Contractor shall ensure that its personnel, agents, officers and subcontractors, if any, are fully aware of the obligations arising under this Exhibit and shall take all commercially reasonable steps to ensure compliance. The Contract may be terminated by the University for cause for a material breach of this Exhibit.

Split Ordering

The procurement of commodities or services processed on various procurement documents in an effort to avoid thresholds and avoid appropriate procurement practices such as obtaining bids and advertising requirements.

Is defined by NYS Finance Law subdivision 6-b of Section 163, which obligates State agencies to aggregate expected purchases for the same commodities or services within twelve months from the date of purchase.

Standard Contract Clauses (Exhibit A)

This exhibit sets forth clauses that are part of all University contracts. The clauses contained in Exhibit A (021114) cover equal employment opportunities for minorities and women, non-collusive bidding, workers' compensation issues and wage and hour provisions. Standard Contract Clauses of the State University of New York.

State Finance Law

SUNY Policies

The chancellor or designee is authorized to establish such guidelines and procedures, consistent herewith, as may be necessary for the proper administration of State University purchasing and contracting. Currently the contracting and purchasing policy is referred to as document number 7553 Purchasing and Contracts.

Threshold Requirements

It is the policy of the University to take affirmative action to ensure that minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) are given the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to provide the University with commodities, services and printing at competitive prices. Additionally, it is the declared policy of the University that utilization of preferred sources occur whenever possible. In accordance with State Finance and Corrections Law, the University is required to make purchases of commodities and services from preferred sources. Preferred sources must be considered whenever purchases of commodities, services or printing are required. A Preferred Source is a designated vendor who, in an effort to advance certain social and economic goals, have received special provider status under New York State statute.

The State University of New York has established five (5) purchasing thresholds. The procurement threshold determines the steps that need to be taken to effectuate the procurement. Please note that the campus has instituted that purchases below $5,000 are to be done via the state procurement card.

The thresholds are as follows:

$0.00 - $10,000: Certification by Purchasing Associate as to reasonableness of price and notification to agency bidder's list.

* For Services: No external agency prior approval is needed for contracts and purchase orders up to $250,000 EXCEPT if any one condition exists: a) bid protest; b) low bid or best value not used; c) award not made in accordance with provisions of bid; d) single or sole source procurement. If any single condition exists the approval limit is reduced to $125,000.

* For Commodities: No external agency prior approval is needed for contracts and purchase orders EXCEPT if the procurement is a single or sole source. If so, the exemption approval limit is $50,000 but no external contract approval is required at any limit.

$250,000.01 and ABOVE: Five sealed quotes and individual contract reporter notice (15 business days advance notice) with approval of the Attorney General and Office of the State Comptroller.

Special provisions apply to the purchase of construction and construction related services and printing services, please consult your Purchasing Associate.

The Purchasing Staff Reserves The Right To Seek Competition At Any Level.

Vendor Responsibility

Section 163 of the NYS Finance Law requires that all contract awards be made only to responsive and responsible vendors. In order to determine responsibility, vendors responding to a solicitation of $75,000 or more are required to complete a Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire, certifying that all information provided, such as financial, legal and organizational, is true and accurate. A finding of non-responsible will result in the rejection of a vendor proposal, or the termination of a contract. A vendor may file the Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire in hard copy format and which they must include with their proposal submission, or they may elect to file it online via the Office of the State Comptroller site.

Prior to completing either the hard copy or electronic version of the Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire, a New York State Vendor Identification Number must be obtained by either calling the OSC Help Desk at 866-370-4672 or by e-mailing them at ciohelpdesk@osc.state.ny.us. The hard copy document will need to be printed and executed in the presence of a Notary Public and must be part of the submission. If the vendor completes the electronic version, they are required to file an Online Vendor Responsibility Notification Announcement with their submission. Please note that the Electronic Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire is good for up to six (6) months prior to the due date of a proposal.

Subcontractors who are known at the time of contract award and who will receive $75,000 or more during the life of the contract are required to obtain a New York State Vendor Identification Number by submitting a Form W-9 with the Office of Purchasing and Contracts. The Office of Purchasing and Contracts will provide the information to the OSC and they will directly contact the subcontractor with a NYS Vendor Identification Number. Once the NYS Vendor Identification Number is obtained, the subcontractor may file the Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire either in hard copy format or they may elect to file it online via the Office of the State Comptroller site. If the Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire is filed online, the subcontractor must notify the Office of Purchasing and Contracts by submitting an Online Vendor Responsibility Notification Announcement.

For information regarding the vendor aspect of Vendor Responsibility please see VenRep System Checklist - Steps to Start and Effectively Use the VenRep System.

Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)

A business certified under Article 15-A of the Executive Law that is independently owned, operated and authorized to do business in New York State; and is owned and controlled by at least fifty-one percent women who are citizens of the U.S. or permanent resident aliens.

Workers' Compensation

Workers' compensation provides medical treatment, wage replacement and permanent disability compensation to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses, and death benefits to dependents of workers who have died as a result of their employment. The Workers' Compensation Board oversees all aspects of workers compensation insurance.

Prior to any permit being issued or any contract being entered into for work in which employees of a business will be engaged in hazardous employment the University must obtain acceptable proof that a business is either exempt from or has secured workers' compensation insurance. An ACORD form is not acceptable proof of workers' compensation coverage. The below listed forms are the only acceptable proofs of workers' compensation coverage:

Receiving and Payment

AP-102

The AP-102 form is used to authorize payment, partial or in full, against a previously established purchase order.

Confirming Purchases

Individuals who make commitments directly to vendors without following the Purchasing process may inadvertently violate New York State Finance Law and rules and regulations promulgated by the Office of the State Comptroller, as well as campus policies. Additionally, purchases made outside of the purchasing process could become the personal liability of the individual making the commitment. When a situation arises where an emergency purchase must be made, a purchase order number can be provided by the Office of Purchasing and Contracts. Contact the Office of Purchasing and Contracts for further assistance before committing personal resources.

Electronic Payment

Any Contractor shall provide complete and accurate billing invoices to the University in order to receive payment for its services. Billing invoices submitted to the University must contain all information and supporting documentation required by the University and OSC. Payment for invoices submitted by the Contractor shall only be rendered electronically unless payment by paper check is expressly authorized by the University Controller, in his sole discretion, due to extenuating circumstances. Such electronic payment shall be made in accordance with ordinary New York state procedures and practices. The Contractor shall comply with the OSC procedures to authorize payments. All vendors, in order to receive payment from the State, are required to complete and submit to OSC either an Electronic Payment Authorization Form for Individuals or an Electronic Payments Authorization Form for Government Entities, Vendors, Not-for-Profits. The Contractor acknowledges that it will not receive payment on any invoices submitted under this contract if it does not comply with the OSC's electronic payment procedures, except where the University Controller has expressly authorized payment by paper check as set forth above.

Office of Equipment Management

State Procurement Card

The University participates in the NYS Procurement Card Program to help streamline the campus procurement process for goods and services. The program managed by the Office of State Accounting enables campus personnel to charge general supplies and equipment using a credit card charged to their University State Purpose, Dormitory Fund, or Income Fund Reimbursable Account. Cardholders are able to receive items much more timely than under the traditional procurement process. The State Purchasing Office no longer accepts purchase requisitions for items below $4,999 that can be purchased legitimately via a Procurement Card.

Substitute W-9

Vendors seeking payment for the goods and/or services they have sold to the University must complete and submit New York State Office of the State Comptroller Substitute W-9. The W-9 form provided by the Internal Revenue Service will not be accepted by OSC and will result in a delay in payment. Foreign vendors must complete and submit appropriate IRS Form W-8, in addition to the Substitute W-9.